Irritable Bowel Syndrome - About IBS

IBS help online, the irritable bowel syndrome site for your symptoms and treatments including medications, diet, lifestyle and alternative therapies for constipation and diarrhea.

As a gastroenterologist I've looked after many people living with the irritable bowel syndrome and I would like to share this experience with you,

So take a few minutes, because I'm going to start right now by showing you some very important points about the disorder, from what it is to how you can gain relief....

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

It's a common bowel condition affects up to 25% of us at any time in our lives? It's amazing to think that it affects over 1 1/2 billion people worldwide, so your not alone!

In some countries its referred to as "SPASTIC COLON" or "MUCOUS COLITIS".

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Symptoms Including:

Diarrhoea

Constipation

Abdominal
Pain

Incomplete Bowel Evacuation

Bloating

Nausea

Anxiety and depression

Tiredness and Fatigue

Urine Frequency

Headaches

Nausea and reflux

The symptoms can occur at any time, but are often worse at times when you are STRESSED or when feeling ANXIOUS.

The most common age for developing irritable bowle syndrome is between twenty and forty years of age, although it can affect any anyone and at any stage in your life, although it is much less common over the age of 50 years.

Women are almost twice as likely to be affected than men, suggesting that there may be a hormone driven reason for this.

How is it diagnosed?

In my experience, a lot of people SELF-DIAGNOSE themselves. I wouldn't advise this though, because occassionally more serious bowel conditions can mimic the condition.

The diagnosis is made on the set of symptoms you have and the length of time you've had them when other disorders have been excluded. You can find out more about this in the tests section.

Doctors use a set of criteria known as the Rome criterion to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome and you can read more about this on the website.

How Is It Treated?

There are many different TREATMENT options available for irritable bowel syndrome and these can provide a significant improvement.

Natural Supplements- some people prefer more natural alternatives to the conventional medical therapies. Options include herbal remedies, colon cleansers, homeopathy, minerals and vitamins to name but a few.

Medications- some doctors advise medicines, particularly when you suffer from more severe symptoms. There are a variety of drugs available which can help with your gut spasms as well as diarrhoea, constipation and bloating.

Lifestyle changes

Hypnosis

Psychological treatments

Acupuncture

Aromatherapy

You can find out more about each of these options in the treatment section.

Need More Help?

So, I hope by now you have a better understanding of the condition. Do take a look around the website for free help on all aspects of the condition.